NUST sides underway at USSA hockey tourney

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) Hockey Club got its 2026 University Sport South Africa (USSA) Hockey Tournament campaign underway in Stellenbosch, South Africa, yesterday.

The tournament runs until 3 July, with the NUST men’s and women’s teams representing the university and Namibia on the regional stage.

NUST Hockey Club has participated in the USSA Hockey Tournament since 2013, using the competition as a platform to develop student-athletes, promote sporting excellence and expose its players to a higher level of university hockey.

The tournament is divided into three competition sections: A, B and C.

Following their third-place finish, or second runners-up position, in 2025, the NUST women’s team earned a place in the B Section and will be looking to build on last year’s performance.

The women’s side entered the competition as underdogs, but will be determined to test itself against some of South Africa’s top university teams.

The NUST men’s team is competing in the C Section after suffering relegation in 2025.

Having prepared extensively over the past few months, the team is confident and motivated to challenge for gold and earn promotion back to the B Section.

Fixtures

The NUST women’s team opened its campaign against Rhodes University at 15:00 yesterday, before facing Central University of Technology at 16:45 today.

They will conclude their group fixtures against the University of the Western Cape at 08:00 tomorrow.

The NUST men’s team began its C Section campaign against Vaal University of Technology at 08:00 yesterday.

They will face Rhodes University at 09:45 today, before taking on Sol Plaatje University at 13:15 tomorrow.

Thursday, 2 July, will feature the crossover and classification matches, while the finals will be played on Friday, 3 July.

The NUST Hockey Club extended its appreciation to NUST management, the Department of Student Services, and its sponsors and partners for supporting the teams’ participation.

Special thanks were extended to MUMI Investment Managers, Trip Travel, Spice Corporate Gifts, Ubuntu Events Technology, Smiths Distributors through its Norflex Gel brand, and G69 Systems for their contributions.

The coaches and team managers also thanked the players’ parents, families, alumni, supporters and the NUST community for their continued encouragement throughout the teams’ preparations.

The club said both teams are committed to representing NUST and Namibia with distinction, discipline, sportsmanship and determination.

Selected teams

Men’s team: Jason Amwaama, Percy Barthram, Kilian Beukes, David Britz, Simbarashe Charuma, Alcides Chipeio, Nelson Ekandjo, Paulus Filippus, Hofeni Haamandike, Matukaramove Kavikairiua, Alex Kurangera, Max Mbeeli, Christian Mchemwa, Uvii Mujeu, Hadley Mumbuu, Tinotenda Muparadzi, Eslon Ngeendepi and Jonas Uusiku.

Men’s team staff: Manager Brenda Liman, head coach Fenestha Pienaar, assistant coach Nasimane Ekandjo, physiotherapist Jason Kleinsmith and media officer Hiidini Nakashona.

Women’s team: Tiina Angula, Mpule Chaka, Melody Jaezuruka, Jen Kamwi, Kay Kamwi, Vevangee Kanguatjivi, Trisha Katunohange, Brenda Liman, Chiedza Joanne Masirembu, Amy Michelle Murray, Natazha Rooi, Ndina Showa, Sithandeyinkhosi Simelane, Uatiraije Uatapi Virore, Jennifer Wasserfall and Fenestha Pienaar.

Women’s team staff: Head coach Eslon Ngeendepi, assistant coach Mark Sungayi, team manager Wendy Tjituka, physiotherapist Ebrahim Muaz and game analyst Ulrigh De Wee.

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